Madame Tussauds London Visitor Guide.
Born Marie Grosholtz in 1761, a housekeeper's daughter, she was taught by her mother's employer, Dr Philippe Curtius, a talented wax sculptor. Curtius became her mentor and guardian, and was soon introducing Marie to some of the 18th Century's leading luminaries. Aged just 17, she sculpted famous philosopher Voltaire, and US statesman Benjamin Franklin -- both figures are still on display at Madame Tussauds today.Marie's work at a Paris wax exhibition run by Curtius prompted an invitation to the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. For nine years she lived at Versailles supervising the artistic education of the King's sister. Marie returned to Paris at the start of the French Revolution but both she and her mother were arrested and imprisoned, sharing a cell with future Empress Josephine.
On release, Marie had to prepare death masks of executed nobles, including former friends from her time at court, and her one-time employers, the King and Queen. Some of these death masks can be seen today in Madame Tussauds' notorious Chamber of Horrors.
By 1800 Marie was married to civil engineer Francois Tussaud, with two young children and an ailing business inherited from Curtius after his death in 1794. Madame Tussaud made the bold decision to take her exhibition of figures on tour; in 1802 she left her husband and country for Great Britain, and never saw either again.
For the next 33 years Madame Tussaud traveled exhibiting a growing collection of wax figures to curious and admiring British crowds. In these pre-TV and internet days this was the only way most people had direct contact with high-profile names, and they loved it. In 1835, the show based itself permanently in London (Baker Street), moving to its present Marylebone Road site in 1884.
With her sons, Madame Tussaud created one of London's leading attractions, a position that it still enjoys today. She remained actively involved in its running almost to the end of her life; her last work, a remarkable self-portrait was completed just eight years before her death in 1850, at 89.
Madame Tussaud survived one of the most turbulent ever periods in European history and, at a time when women were expected to stay home and raise the family, firmly established herself as an effective and visionary businesswoman. She tirelessly promoted, advertised and updated her attraction, to help ensure its relevance to the public for years to come.